The results are in. The inaugural Denizen Everyday Heroes saw thousands of votes cast in support of local businesses, with the aim of shining a light on the people and places whose services we rely upon. So without further ado, celebrate the best ice cream purveyors Auckland city has to offer, as voted by you.

1. MOST VOTED: Duck Island, Ponsonby & Newmarket
Since 2015, Hamilton-born Duck Island has captured the hearts and tastebuds of ice cream aficionados, leading to eager queues outside its Ponsonby and Newmarket outposts. Handcrafted in the Waikato, Duck Island uses only the freshest high-quality ingredients to create its seductive signature flavours, where the likes of fairy bread and boysenberry cheesecake sit alongside incredible vegan options such as chocolate cherry chunk and black sticky rice.

2. HONOURABLE MENTION: Giapo, Auckland CBD
Gelato genius Giapo doesn’t do boring. Between its boundary-pushing flavours, truly inventive creations (think ice cream by the slice and steamed pudding cones) and chef-led collabs, the popular ice cream shop is forever creating new and delicious opportunities to visit its Gore Street store. 

3. HONOURABLE MENTION: Island Gelato, Waiheke, Auckland CBD & Newmarket
No trip to Waiheke Island would be complete without a scoop (or three) of Island Gelato, although thankfully there is also an inner-city outpost inside the Ferry Building (and one more in Newmarket) if you wanted to bookend your visit with another cone. Island Gelato boasts over 70 flavours, where local ingredients, natural flavours and freshness reign supreme.

4. Takapuna Beach Cafe, North Shore

5. Ollies Burgers & Ice Cream, Royal Oak

6. Miann, Auckland CBD, Britomart & Morningside

7. Mr Whippy, Citywide

8. Little ‘Lato, Morningside & Wynyard Quarter

9. Joshua’s Ice Cream, St Heliers

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for Denizen Everyday Heroes. We will be rolling out the results in the coming weeks online and in our summer issue, on sale now.